What Is a Draft Horse?
by Gail Damerow The word “draft” represents not a specific kind of animal, but (according to Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary) any animal used for pulling heavy loads. For some reason, Americans have come to use the word “draft” in reference to heavy horses, but a horse of any size may be trained to pull a load. The heavy breeds are best for heavy farm work and/or large acreage. They weigh 1,600 pounds or better and stand at least 16 hands high from ground to withers (one hand equals 4 inches). About 95 percent of all heavy horses in America are either Belgian (originating in Belgium) or Percheron (originally from France).
